Mmol L Research Articles

A comprehensive study on the effects of electrocoagulation integrated in a membrane bioreactor treating sunflower oil refinery wastewater on treatment performance, biological properties, and fouling behavior.

This study evaluated the effects of electrocoagulation integrated in a laboratory-scale membrane bioreactor (MBR), namely EC-MBR, on the treatment performance, activated sludge morphological characterization, and membrane fouling of MBR treating actual sunflower oil refinery wastewater. The EC-MBR system exhibited significantly higher chemical oxygen demand (COD) and oil and grease (O&G) removal efficiency compared to the MBR system. Additionally, both systems achieved excellent turbidity removal, with a percentage above 99%. The membrane fouling rate was higher in the EC-MBR system compared to the MBR system. Despite the decrease in the soluble microbial product (SMP) and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) concentration in the EC-MBR system, especially their protein fraction, the significant increase in MLSS and carbohydrates/protein ratio, and the decrease in the mixed liquor and the cake layer particles size were the main membrane fouling factors. The membrane fouling resistance distribution showed that the EC-MBR system had a higher percentage of pore blocking resistance compared to the MBR. FTIR analysis identified a greater proportion of carbohydrate compounds in the cake layer of the EC-MBR system. SEM images revealed dense microbial clusters, mainly rod- and oval-shaped bacteria, in the EC-MBR system. Furthermore, EDX analysis detected elements such as Ca, K, O, Al, and P in both systems, with the EC-MBR system showing a higher Al content. The EC-MBR system showed low energy consumption (0.431kWhm-3) and total operating costs ($0.90m-3), showcasing its effectiveness and affordability for sustainable wastewater management.

Development and Validation of LC-MS method for determination of Genotoxic Impurity N, O-Dimethyl Hydroxylamine by Chemical Derivatization in Investigational Drug Substance

Background: Conventional chromatographic techniques and direct analysis pose challenges in detecting certain potential genotoxic impurities, primarily due to factors such as the absence of a chromophore, low molecular weight, and insufficient chromatographic retention caused by high polarity. One such compound, N, O-Dimethyl Hydroxylamine, is of particular concern due to its structural similarity to Hydroxylamine, a recognized genotoxic impurity. Method: In response to this challenge, this article proposes a rapid derivatization approach utilizing Dansyl Chloride, coupled with Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) for the detection of the derivatized product in the investigational drug substance. To preserve confidentiality, the specific name and structure of the drug substance have not been disclosed. Results: The developed method exhibits a reliable range of detection spanning from 5 ppm to 60 ppm with respect to a nominal drug substance concentration of 10 mg/mL. Throughout the method validation process, it demonstrated specificity, sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, and repeatability. Conclusion: This methodology presents a versatile solution applicable in scenarios where N, ODimethyl Hydroxylamine serves as a reagent in the synthesis process of drug substances.

Effects of Religious Fasting on Markers of Oxidative Status in Vitamin D-Deficient and Overweight Orthodox Nuns versus Implementation of Time-Restricted Eating in Lay Women from Central and Northern Greece

Background/Objectives: The Mediterranean diet has been widely suggested to exert significant beneficial effects on endothelial oxidative status and cardiometabolic health. Greek Orthodox monasteries, due to their specific nutritional and sartorial habits, comprise a population thatstrictly adheres to nutritional patterns with restricted eating and a plant-based subset of the Mediterranean diet, often accompanied by profound hypovitaminosis D. Time-restricted eating (TRE) is also adopted bya large part of the general lay Greek population for health-promoting reasons, without restrictions on animal product consumption, as imposed by Orthodox religious fasting. However, the comparative effects of these nutritional patterns on oxidative stress markers remain scarce. Methods: The present study attempted to evaluate the effects of Christian Orthodox fasting (COF) in a group of vitamin D-deficient and overweight Orthodox nuns from Central and Northern Greece compared to the implementation of TRE, a 16:8 dietary regimen (16 h of food abstinence and 8 h of feeding) in a cohort of adult women from the general population from the same region with regard to markers of endothelial oxidative status. A group of 50 women from two Orthodox monasteries in Northern Greece and one group of 50 healthy lay women were included. During the enrollment, a detailed recording of their dietary habits was performed, along with a scientific registry of their demographic and anthropometric characteristics (via bioimpedance). The Orthodox nuns followed a typical Orthodox fasting regimen [daily feeding window (8 a.m.–4 p.m.)], whereas the lay women followed a TRE 16:8 regimen with the same feeding time-window with a recommendation to follow a low-fat diet, without characteristics of the Mediterranean diet. We included a complete biochemical analysis, as well as calciotropic profiles [calcium—Ca, albumin, parathyroid hormone—PTH, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D—25(OH)D] and markers of TAC (total antioxidant capacity), GSH (glutathione),and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) concentrations as markers of oxidative status. Results: All the groups were compared at the baseline regarding their calcium, PTH, and 25(OH)D concentrations, with no statistically significant differences between the groups apart from higher PTH levels in the nuns due to lower 25(OH)D levels. The Orthodox nuns manifested a lower median GSH compared to the controls (6.0 vs. 7.2, p 0.04) and a higher median TAC (0.92 vs. 0.77, p < 0.001). The TBARS comparisons showed no significant difference between the two groups. No significant associations of oxidative status with 25(OH)D, PTH, and the markers of glucose homeostasis were evident. Conclusions: The results of this small pilot study indicate that both dietary regimens have advantages over the oxidative markers compared to each other, with increased TAC in the group of Orthodox nuns after a 16-week period of COF compared to a 16:8 TRE and increased GSH concentrations in the lay women group. Future randomized trials are required to investigate the superiority or non-inferiority between these dietary patterns in the daily clinical setting.

Preparation of Antistatic Polyester Fiber via Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly

Polyester fibers tend to generate static electricity during the weaving and application processes, posing a threat to their production. Enhancing the water absorbency and electrical conductivity of polyester fibers themselves is an effective approach to improving their antistatic properties. In this study, multifunctional chitosan (CS), sodium phytate (SP), and Cu2+ were loaded on polyester fibers through layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly. The antistatic and water absorption capability of the modified polyester fibers was investigated by designing different process parameters combined with a surface resistance test and water contact angle tests. The antistatic property test results confirmed the positive effect of CS and Cu2+ on discharging electrostatic charge. Within a definite scope, with the increase in the number of assembly layers, assembly duration, and the concentration of the assembly substances, the wettability of the modified polyester fibers became more favorable and the antistatic effect became more remarkable.

Physicochemical and Morphological Changes in Long-Grain Brown Rice Milling: A Study Using Image Visualization Technologies

This study evaluated the changes in physicochemical properties and appearance quality of long-grain rice during the grinding process using image technologies and aimed to provide reference for future research. The brown rice milling process was divided into three stages, and flatbed scanning, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), low-field nuclear magic resonance (LF-NMR), and headspace–gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (HS–GC–IMS) were employed to examine the physicochemical and volatile properties of the samples. Results revealed a continuous increase in the degree of milling, with a broken rice rate and a whiteness value increasing by 50.84% and 21.13%, respectively, compared with those during the initial stage; dietary fiber and vitamin B1 contents were reduced by 54.41% and 66.67%, respectively. The image results visualized showed that the cortex of brown rice was gradually peeled off with the increase in milling degree; the cortical thickness was gradually reduced, the endosperm was gradually exposed, and the surface was smoother and shinier. T2 populations exhibited a shift toward longer relaxation times, followed by a decrease in relaxation time during the milling process. Additionally, 31 target compounds impacting rice flavor, mainly ketones, alcohols, and esters, were identified, and the concentration of volatile substances in the B region decreased with the reduction in the bran layer; the concentration of volatile substances in the C region provided rice flavor, which increased with the milling process. This study showed changes in the physicochemical properties and appearance quality of long-grain brown rice during milling. Furthermore, the use of various image processing techniques offers significant insights for optimizing processing parameters and enhancing overall quality and taste.

Spectral induced polarization (SIP) measurements across a PFAS-contaminated source zone

There is a need to develop field-scale, in situ screening technologies for assessing variations in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) concentrations in soils at former fire training and storage sites. Field-scale Spectral Induced Polarization (SIP) geophysical measurements were acquired on a transect crossing an AFFF source zone. Soil samples were acquired to determine variations in poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations in soils, characterize soil texture, and create triplicate soil columns for laboratory SIP measurements. Field and laboratory observations show that SIP measurements are sensitive to the concentration of AFFF constituents associated with soil pore surface area. The specific polarizability and the phase of the SIP measurements for the laboratory samples were linearly correlated with total soil-sorbed PFAS concentration. The phase from the field SIP measurements was highest over the location of maximum PFAS concentration measured on the laboratory samples. However, a significant correlation between field-measured phase and laboratory-measured total PFAS concentration still needs to be established. These observations, along with the demonstrated sensitivity of the SIP response to the removal of soil PFAS using a methanol wash procedure, support the case for SIP characterization of AFFF source zones.

Concentrations of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Pancreatic Cancer: A Case–Control Study in New York

Concentrations of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Pancreatic Cancer: A Case–Control Study in New York

Dual-response fluorescent probe for lipid droplets and hypochlorous acid and imaging study in inflammation and atheromatous plaques

Simultaneously detecting two biomarkers can significantly enhance disease diagnosis accuracy and deepen our understanding of disease pathogenesis. Developing a single fluorescent probe with two independent response units for this purpose is crucial. In line with this, a novel fluorescent probe (TPA-DT-DNH) had been proposed, featuring triphenylamine and C=N groups sensitive to lipid droplets (LDs) and hypochlorous acid (HClO), respectively. Spectral results highlighted that only the co-presence of LDs and HClO could “turn-on” the fluorescence of TPA-DT-DNH, when the concentration of one substance remained constant, the fluorescence intensity linearly increased with the concentration of the other substance. The imaging results demonstrated that TPA-DT-DNH can differentiate between normal cells and cells rich in LDs when HClO was present, and can detect HClO in HeLa cells. Furthermore, dynamic changes in the inflammation process induced by LPS can be visualized in both cells and zebrafish. Additionally, significant fluorescence enhancement was observed in atheromatous plaque.

Fluctuating Asymmetry Spotted Wing Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Exposed to Sublethal Doses of Acetamiprid and Nicotine.

Long-term exposure to low concentrations of toxic substances can cause several adverse consequences ranging from molecular to morphological. Sublethal doses may also lead to increased tolerance in the offspring of surviving individuals. One of the consequences of such stress is deviations from the ideal body symmetry during development, reflected by increased levels of fluctuating asymmetry (FA). This research aimed to verify FA in the wing veins of insects belonging to the Drosophilidae family-Drosophila suzukii, a fruit pest controlled by the insecticide acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid. To determine whether FA varied depending on insecticides present in the diet, multigenerational cultures of D. suzukii were carried out on media supplemented with different concentrations (below the LC50) of two insecticides. Nicotine was used as a positive control. Fecundity decreased, the number of insects decreased, and breeding did not continue beyond the tenth generation. However, the FA level at different concentrations was similar, and high FA values were observed even at lower acetamiprid concentrations. We did not see significant changes in FA levels in subsequent generations. D. suzukii proved extremely sensitive to acetamiprid, and FA is a good index of this sensitivity.

Effects of Pre-Dehydration Treatments on Physicochemical Properties, Non-Volatile Flavor Characteristics, and Microbial Communities during Paocai Fermentation.

The paocai industry faces challenges related to the production of large volumes of high-salinity and acidic brine by-products. Maintaining paocai quality while reducing brine production is crucial. This study utilized high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze microbial changes throughout the fermentation process, along with the non-volatile flavor compounds and physicochemical properties, to assess the impact of hot-air and salt-pressing pre-dehydration treatments on paocai quality. The findings indicate that pre-dehydration of raw material slowed the fermentation process but enhanced the concentration of non-volatile flavor substances, including free amino acids and organic acids. Hot-air pre-dehydration effectively reduced initial salinity to levels comparable to those in high-salinity fermentation of fresh vegetables. Furthermore, pre-dehydration altered microbial community structures and simplified inter-microbial relationships during fermentation. However, the key microorganisms such as Lactobacillus, Weissella, Enterobacter, Wallemia, Aspergillus, and Kazachstania remained consistent across all groups. Additionally, this study found that biomarkers influenced non-volatile flavor formation differently depending on the treatment, but these substances had minimal impact on the biomarkers and showed no clear correlation with high-abundance microorganisms. Overall, fermenting pre-dehydrated raw materials presents an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paocai production.

Exploring granular filter media in sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for stormwater pollutant adsorption: A pilot study

Granular filter media are integral to sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for their efficiency in removing pollutants from urban runoff. This study focuses on understanding the filtration processes within these media by combining a pilot experimental study with a modeling approach. The experimental study involved characterizing the physical and hydraulic properties of various granular filter media materials, including sand, pea-gravel, gravel, and geotextile membranes. Three laboratory-scale stormwater filtration rigs were tested to evaluate the filter media's pollutant removal capacity and hydraulic performance. This work presents a phenomenological model that predicts the spatial variation in the concentrations of stormwater and urban runoff substances, specifically nitrate ions (NO3-), phosphate ions (PO43-), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and suspended solids, by studying their concentration profiles. The stormwater quality model was used to predict the concentration profiles for stormwater with an average inflow consisting of 2.9 mg/L nitrates, 3.4 mg/L phosphate ions, 225 mg/L COD, and 3.3 mg/L of suspended solids. The predicted outlet concentrations matched well with measured experimental data. The results showed that adding geotextile membranes to a granular filter significantly improves its ability to adsorb dissolved species for stormwater applications. This research highlights the importance of understanding the physical and hydraulic properties of granular filter media and their impact on stormwater pollutant removal efficiency. The developed model can assist in the design and optimization of stormwater treatment systems by predicting the performance of different filter media materials, allowing for informed decision-making and improved system functionality.

Association between family economic situation and serum PFAS concentration in American adults with hypertension and hyperlipemia

Although there is an association between income status and concentration of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), the association remains uncertain in patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and comorbidities. Data from the 2013–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. A total of 2665 adults were included, and the data included participants' serum PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], perfluorononaic acid, perfluorodecanoic acid, perfluoroundecanoic acid, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) levels and selected covariates. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the association between the ratio of family income to poverty (PIR) and individual serum PFAS concentrations in the hypertensive and/or hyperlipidemia groups after adjusting for covariates. The potential effects of sex and age on the results were explored using stratified analysis. A mediating effect model was used to explore the mediating effects of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference on the association results. After adjusting for potential confounders, for hyperlipidemia and comorbidities (hypertension and hyperlipidemia), serum levels of multiple common PFAS increased by 0.09% (95%Confidence interval [CI] 0.02–0.15%) to 0.13% (95%CI 0.08–0.19%) and 0.10% (95%CI 0.02–0.17%) to 0.12% (95%CI 0.06–0.18%), respectively, with each 1% increase in PIR. The covariate model and stratified analyses results suggested the potential effects of different covariates such as age and sex, leading to changes in the statistical significance of the association results. BMI significantly mediated the effect of PIR on PFOA in hyperlipidemia (13%, P < 0.001). Household income in adults with hyperlipidemia and comorbidities positively correlated with serum PFAS concentration in the United States. Obesity played an indispensable mediating role in the association between economic income and PFAS concentration.

Effect of HTC and Water-Leaching of Low-Grade Biomasses on the Release Behavior of Inorganic Constituents in a Calcium Looping Gasification Process at 650 °C.

The release of alkali metals (K, Na) and nonmetals (S, Cl) during a calcium looping (CaL) gasification process of waste derived-hydrochars, water-leached samples, and CaO-biomass blends was investigated. Special attention was paid to biomasses that are not particularly promising for gasification requirements but have a large occurrence in Europe, including Grape Bagasse, Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW), Green Waste, and Out-of-use woods from construction debris and discarded furniture. The release experiments were performed at 650 °C in a flow channel reactor to investigate the behavior of inorganic trace substances. Hot-gas analysis was performed by Molecular Beam Mass Spectrometry (MBMS). Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations via FactSage indicate H2S, carbonyl sulfide (COS), KCl, NaCl, and HCl as the main inorganic impurities. Thus, the focus of the experiments was placed on these species. It was found that the concentrations of trace elements released during gasification at 650 °C, such as H2S, SO2, KCl, and NaCl, are hardly affected by intense water-leaching. In contrast, carbonaceous materials from hydrothermal carbonization exhibit a higher concentration of trace potassium substances (K, KCl, and K2Cl+). When biomass samples are combined with CaO, the total amount of inorganic trace compounds (K, Na, and S compounds) in the resulting syngas could be decreased.

Al₂O₃ Melt interaction with nitrogen at high temperatures and pressure 1 bar

The main chemical reactions of interaction in the Al₂O₃−N₂ system have been determined for a temperature of 2400 K and a pressure of 1 Bar. It was found that in the absence of direct interaction of nitrogen (molecular and atomic) with the melt, chemical reactions between nitrogen and products of dissociative evaporation of Al₂O₃ melt are possible. Nitrogen oxidation reactions and interaction reactions of nitrogen oxides with the melt, both directly and with the participation of elemental oxygen or gaseous aluminium oxides, have been determined. It is demonstrated that elemental forms of nitrogen can interact with the melt together with nitrogen oxides and (or) with all Al-containing components of the system. Concentrations of gaseous substances in equilibrium with Al₂O₃ melt were calculated by the Monte Carlo method.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN ALGORITHM FOR CALCULATING THE RATE CONSTANT OF HYDROCHLORIC ACID REACTION WITH A CARBONATE ROCK FORMATION

One of the main factors reducing acid stimulation efficiency is the intensive reaction of active acid in the immediate vicinity of the wellbore, which leads to insufficient completeness of reservoir rock dissolution in the remote reservoir zone. The reservoir hydrodynamic characteristics are not being improved properly, and the efficiency of oil production stimulation measures does not reach the planned values.To get high results of acid treatments it is necessary to achieve deep penetration of acid into the formation thickness. The reaction rate constant is used to compare the reactivity of different acid compositions and to select the most suitable acid composition for the geological and physical conditions of the treated object, which provides the highest treatment efficiency. It relates the initial substances concentrations with reaction products formation rate. To determine the reaction rate constant, a volumetric apparatus was created and methodological aspects were developed to work on it, allowing to minimize the measurement error and to achieve the greatest accuracy in determining the kinetic parameters of the reaction. But in the course of further investigations in the work of the existing algorithm for experimental data processing, a number of significant deficiencies distorting the results of calculations were revealed. The aim of the research is to develop a new improved algorithm for reaction rate constant calculation, which will improve the understanding of the process of determining the kinetic parameters of acid reaction with carbonate rock.To achieve this aim, the authors conducted a series of experiments according to the unified methodology, the results of which revealed ways to eliminate the identified deficiencies using a new algorithm. It includes obtaining and saving initial data, subsequent treatment and direct calculation of reaction kinetic parameters with results saving.The developed algorithm makes it possible to unify and automate the process of determining the kinetic parameters of the acid reaction with the formation rock, as well as to determine the reaction characteristics with higher accuracy and reduce the influence of the human factor on the research results, thus reducing the errors of the calculation results.

Persistent Organic Pollutants in Tagus Estuary Salt Marshes: Patterns of Contamination and Plant Uptake.

The presence of anthropogenic compounds, including organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), was studied in three salt marshes within the Tagus estuary, Portugal, along an anthropogenic pressure gradient. Results revealed differences in OCPs and PCBs among the marshes, with differing concentration levels. Specifically, one marsh, with surrounding agricultural activity, showed the highest OCP concentrations, while another, with a historical industrial past, exhibited elevated PCB levels. In contrast, a third marsh, part of a natural reserve, displayed comparatively lower concentrations of both substances. Sediment concentrations, likely influenced by agricultural practices, were found to be comparable to or higher than those observed in other Portuguese estuaries. The halophyte Spartina maritima was found to absorb OCPs, particularly in its aboveground tissues, suggesting bioaccumulation within the plant. Additionally, PCB levels appeared to be influenced by industrial history, with one marsh displaying notably higher concentrations. In conclusion, the persistence of organochlorine compounds in the salt marsh ecosystems notwithstanding the regulatory prohibitions implemented in the 1990s highlights the need for continuous monitoring and study of such sites and the necessity of remediation practices, which are imperative to mitigate ecological and health risks in these polluted salt marshes.

300. SURFACE MICRODIALYSIS MEASURES LOCAL TISSUE METABOLISM AFTER IVOR LEWIS ESOPHAGECTOMY; AN ATTEMPT TO PREDICT ANASTOMOTIC DEFECT

Abstract Introduction Anastomotic defect after esophagectomy can lead to severe complications with need for surgical or endoscopic intervention. Early detection enables early treatment and can limit the consequences of the anastomotic defect. As of today, there are limited methods to predict anastomotic defect. In this study we have used microdialysis to measure local metabolism at the intrathoracic anastomosis. Feasibility and possible diagnostic use were investigated. Methods Sixty patients planned for Ivor Lewis esophagectomy were enrolled. After construction of the anastomosis, surface microdialysis probes were attached to the outer surface of the esophageal remnant and the gastric conduit in close vicinity of the anastomosis and left in place for seven postoperative days. Continuous sampling of local tissue concentrations of metabolic substances (glucose, lactate, pyruvate) was performed postoperatively. Outcome, defined as anastomotic defect or not according to ECCG (Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group) definitions, was recorded at discharge or at first postoperative follow up. Difference in concentrations of metabolic substances were analysed retrospectively between the two groups by means of artificial neural network technique. Results Surface micodialysis probes can be attached and removed from the gastric tube reconstruction without any adverse events. Deviating metabolite concentrations on POD 1 were associated with later development of anastomotic defect. In subjects who developed anastomotic defects, no difference in metabolic concentrations between the esophageal and the gastric probe was recorded. The technical failure rate of the microdialysis probes/procedure was high. Discussion Surface microdialysis can be used in a clinical setting after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Deviation in local tissue metabolism on POD 1 seems to be associated with development of anastomotic defects. Further development of microdialysis probes and procedure is required to reduce technical failure.

Влияние содержания действующего вещества в родентицидном средстве на эффективность дератизационных обработок

House mice, gray rats and other mouse-like rodents pose a threat to human health and cause significant damage to its activities. Despite significant advances in deratization practice, rodent control currently remains a significant problem, since these biological species have a unique genetic ability to rapidly recover and increase their numbers. The rodent control program should be based on data on the ecology, behavior and preferences of rodents, their sensitivity to active substances, the specific situation of a certain object and territory. Each species has its own characteristics. It is necessary to take into account species preferences when developing the composition and form of application of rodenticidal baits. It is important to ensure the achievement of target values in the consumption of the product by rodents, its effectiveness, safety in relation to non-target species and safety during its placement and use. It is necessary to take into account what concentration of the active substance (DV) for rodents will be fatal, how much rodenticidal bait will be required for their death and for how long this amount of bait will be eaten by them. The effectiveness of the conducted deratization treatments is directly influenced by the content of the active substance in the applied rodenticidal agent. The analysis of the effectiveness of rodenticidal baits with different contents of the active substance bromadiolone in relation to house mice and gray rats showed that with a decrease in the concentration of DV in the bait, the period from the beginning of its eating to the onset of irreversible changes in the body of rodents leading to their death occurs. The placement of baits during deratization treatments should take place taking into account the species characteristics of rodents. In terms of body weight, the amount of absorbed DV by the body of a house mouse in comparison with a gray rat when eating rodenticidal bait is significantly higher, which is observed in the average daily and total intake. But in quantitative terms, gray rats consume significantly more bait. For the death of a house mouse, an average of about 8 g of bait is required with a bromadiolone content of 0.005?%, and the minimum amount was 3.2 g. For a gray rat, the average amount of bait was 32.4 g, and the minimum ~ 10 g. Taking into account these data, the amount of bait placed at the facility will vary from the number of rodents and the feedability of baits. A lower content of DV in baits contributes to an increase in their consumption during deratization treatments. With a high number of rodents, the amount of bait placed must be multiplied. Keywords: synanthropic rodents, gray rat, house mouse, deratization measures, anticoagulants, bromadiolone.

Generic Enrichment Method for Liquid Chromatography-Multiple Reaction Monitoring-Mass Spectrometry Assay for Quantitative Measurement of Biological Therapeutics in Serum.

The study aims to leverage the capabilities of Liquid Chromatography-Multiple Reaction Monitoring Mass Spectrometry (LC-MRM), a key technique in quantifying therapeutic proteins in pharmacokinetic studies. The focus is on demonstrating an enrichment method using ProteoMiner beads, which can be integrated with LC-MRM to detect low-abundance biotherapeutics in serum, such as monoclonal antibodies and gene therapy products. The ProteoMiner enrichment method was employed and integrated with LC-MRM. The lower limit of quantification of serum drug substance concentrations was compared with that achievable with immuno-enrichment. The method used commercially available reagents, eliminating the need for assay-specific antibodies and reducing potential bias and development time. The ProteoMiner enrichment method showed comparable performance to immuno-enrichment, meeting traditional assay requirements in terms of precision, accuracy, and specificity. The ProteoMiner enrichment method, when combined with LC-MRM, offers a reliable and efficient alternative to immuno-enrichment for detecting and quantifying low-abundance biotherapeutics in serum. This approach, which uses commercially available reagents, can eliminate the bias and time associated with the development of assay-specific antibodies. It holds significant potential for accelerating pharmacokinetic analysis in both early and late stages of pharmaceutical development.

A harmonized occupational biomonitoring approach

Biomonitoring has been widely used in assessing exposures in both occupational and public health complementing chemical risk assessments because it measures the concentrations of chemical substances in human body fluids (e.g., urine and blood). Biomonitoring considers all routes and sources of exposure. An occupational biomonitoring guidance document has been elaborated (OECD Occupational Biomonitoring Guidance) within the OECD framework and specifically, the Working Parties on Exposure and Hazard Assessment by scientific experts from 40 institutes and organizations representing 15 countries. The guidance provides practical information for assessing chemical exposures in occupational settings including the three common routes of exposure: inhalation, skin absorption and ingestion due to hand to mouth contact. The elaborated stepwise approach for conducting biomonitoring is tailored for occupational health professionals, scientists, risk assessors, and regulators. It includes methods for selecting appropriate biomarkers, devising sampling strategies, and assessing laboratories for validated analytical methods for the biomarker of interest, and ensuring timely feedback of results. Furthermore, it describes procedures for setting up efficient biomonitoring programs based on the Similar Exposure Group (SEG) approaches. Derived health-based human exposure biomarker assessment values called Occupational Biomonitoring Levels (OBLs) are proposed for use in occupational exposure and risk assessment. It also helps with the interpretation of biomonitoring results routinely collected and procedures for communicating biomonitoring results at individual, collective, and workplace levels. Ethical considerations associated with biomonitoring are also discussed. The ultimate goal of this biomonitoring approach is to promote harmonized application and interpretation of biomarkers as well as evidence-based occupational risk management measures.